Research Design Connection: Collaboration in Workplaces

by Sally Augustin, Ph.D. | January 23rd, 2017

  In her dissertation research at University College London, Leadon studied collaboration in workplaces. She found via a “case study at an interior design office followed by a survey of four design firms…that collaboration and individual work must be supported by workplace design. While collaboration was high among employees and meeting rooms were utilized…fluidity and frequency of collaboration were, at times, deterred in the open office environment, due to the expectation that collaboration would be a distraction to others…Private meeting rooms were integral solutions in facilitating both collaborative and individual modes of work, as these spaces could host groups or individuals as required.” Alexandria Leadon. 2015. “Workplace Design: Facilitating Collaborative and Individual Work Within the Creative Office Environment.” Dissertation Abstract, The Florida State University, http://search.proquest.com/docview/1725171451. Sally Augustin, PhD, a cognitive scientist, is the editor of Research Design Connections (www.researchdesignconnections.com), a monthly subscription newsletter and free daily blog, where recent and …